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TORONTO, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ - AuRico Metals Inc. (TSX: AMI),("AuRico" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an Impact Benefits Agreement ("IBA") for the Kemess Underground Project with Takla Lake, Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha, collectively Tse Keh Nay ("TKN") an alliance of three Sekani First Nations.

The IBA provides a framework that formalizes the long-term co-operative relationship between AuRico Metals and the TKN First Nations over the life of the project. The IBA captures the mutual commitment to consult and maintain an open, respectful and cooperative relationship throughout the development and operation of the Kemess Underground Project. The IBA further provides for meaningful TKN participation in Kemess Underground through training, employment, business opportunities, environmental protection and other means.

The Tse Keh Nay Chiefs stated; "In order to celebrate the success we have achieved today, we must look back to the path that got us here. The original plan for Kemess North was to use Amazay Lake as a tailings pond. It was through our struggles to protect that sacred lake that the Tsay Keh Nay alliance was reunited and strengthened. Through the development of the Kemess Underground Project the Tsay Keh Nay alliance has remained strong; and continues to support each other in the pursuit of environmental integrity, cultural revitalization and community health. Today, Tse Keh Nay recognizes the environmental commitment made by AuRico Metals, and the respect for Tse Keh Nay rights, interests and genuine collaboration with the Tse Keh Nay alliance. Tse Keh Nay is excited about the opportunities and benefits that will be created by Kemess Underground through the IBA."

Chris Richter, President and CEO of AuRico stated; "The signing of this IBA is a significant step forward for the Kemess Underground Project and further solidifies our strong relationship with our First Nations partners. We are grateful to have their support for the development of Kemess, which is expected to deliver significant economic opportunities and benefits to the region and all project stakeholders for many years to come."

About AuRico Metals

AuRico Metals is a mining development and royalty company with a 100% interest in the Kemess property in British Columbia, Canada. The Kemess property hosts the feasibility-stage Kemess Underground Gold-Copper Project, the Kemess East Exploration Project, and the infrastructure pertaining to the past producing Kemess South mine. AuRico's royalty portfolio includes a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Young-Davidson Gold Mine and a 2% NSR royalty on the Fosterville Mine, as well as a portfolio of additional producing and pre-production royalty assets located in North America and Australia.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact relating to AuRico Metals Inc. certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "believes", "considers", "intends", "targets", or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "may", "will", "should", "would" and "could" in particular, statements related to the future development of the Kemess Underground Project and the expected economic benefits from the project. We provide forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about our current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved.

Other than as specifically required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events, results or otherwise.